Latest posts
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from Seabrook Island Birders! Many birders play a New Year’s game called “Bird of the Year.” The first bird you see on January 1st becomes your theme bird for that year—one to bless your perspective, your imagination, your spirit. So look out your window and maybe that first bird will give you…
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays from Seabrook Island Birders! May the season bring you many joys and maybe even a few wonderous feathered finds. Pictures of Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Canada Geese and ducks are often seen on holiday cards. A little research shows how many different birds are in the popular song “The Twelve Days…
The Magnificent Frigatebird: A Glimpse from Seabrook Island into the Life of an Aerial Marvel
There’s something almost mystical about encountering a bird that spends the majority of its life soaring high above the ocean, rarely touching down. One of these remarkable avian species, the Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens), is often seen in faraway tropical regions, but every now and then, they grace the mainland with their awe-inspiring presence. Helene…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – Gray Catbird
Gray Catbird – Dumetella carolinensis Length: 8.5″; Wingspan: 11″; Weight: 1.3 oz. If you struggle with learning bird songs and calls, try starting with the “catty mew” of the Gray Catbird. Just the sound of it makes you think of a cat which will help you remember its name! These birds are migratory, but you can hear and…
Ask SIB: Reddish Egrets on North Beach
For the past two months, there have been occasional reports of Reddish Egrets on our Island. Recently, as many as three birds have been seen at one time. Several people have wondered, are they a family unit? Is it two young birds and an adult “Mom?” Let us break down those questions. First, scientifically, this…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Regulus calendulaLength: 4.25″; Wingspan: 7. 5″; Weight: 0.23 oz. There are two good ways to identify the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. First, you might see it out of the corner of your eye. That’s because it flicks its wings and hops fairly continuously. You also might recognize it from its very distinctive call. The…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler – Setophaga coronataLength: 5.5″; Wingspan: 9.25″; Weight: 0.43 oz. Yellow-rumped Warblers are one of the most common warblers in North America and abundant on Seabrook Island from fall through spring. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is sometimes referred to as “Butter Butt” due to its bright yellow rump. It was formally called Myrtle Warbler in the…
SIB Reports: Coastal Birds in South Carolina
South Carolina DNR has put together an overview of seabirds and shorebirds in South Carolina, including a convenient image for each that you can download. Click the link below for more information on the vital role our state plays in the lives of these species. Coastal Birds in South Carolina.
SIB members visit Kiawah Banding Station
Recently, Seabrook Island Birders participated in a Learning Together opportunity at Kiawah Island’s Banding Station. Every August through November, Aaron Given, Wildlife Biologist on Kiawah Island, sets up twenty-five 40’ mist nets on Captain Sam’s Spit where, over the next couple of months, he collects birds for banding, measuring, and weighing. We scheduled our visit…
Becoming a Martin “Landlord”.
Seabrook Island Birders are bringing an exciting new collaborative to Seabrook Island. Later this year we will be erecting Purple Martin housing through the very generous and enthusiastic support of the Equestrian center, Jennifer Tyrrell of the Charleston Natural History Society(Audubon), Seabrook Island Environment and Wildlife Committee and the Town of Seabrook Island. In early…
